James Earl Jones, the beloved stage and screen actor who lent his iconic, deep voice to Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, has died at 93.
Regarded as one of the best actors of his generation, Jones’ career spanned Shakespeare to Hollywood hits. He is one of the few actors to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Award.
The actor’s death was reported by Deadline, via his representatives at Independent Artist Group.
James Earl Jones was born January 17, 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi and raised by his grandparents in Dublin, Michigan. While he would later become one of the most famous voices in the world, he says he suffered from a stutter in his youth.
“I was a stutterer. I couldn’t talk,” Jones recalled in a 1996 interview. “So my first year of school was my first mute year, and then those mute years continued until I got to high school.” A teacher encouraged him to overcome his stutter by reading poetry aloud.
Jones served in the US Army during the Korean War, and after decided to pursue a career in acting. He studied at the American Theatre Wing, working as a janitor to support himself. By the 1960s, Jones was establishing himself as one of his generation’s great Shakespearean actors, playing roles like Othello and King Lear. He also made his film debut in Stanley Kubrick’s classic 1964 comedy Dr. Strangelove, as bombadier Lt. Lothar Zogg.
In 1967, he played a boxer in The Great White Hope, winning the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. He reprised the role in the 1970 film version, receiving his first Academy Award nomination.
Amidst all his acclaimed acting work, Jones soon landed his most well-known and iconic role — one where he didn’t even have to appear on set: voicing the villainous Darth Vader in Star Wars. While Vader was played in costume by David Prowse, Jones dubbed over the lines with his own deep bass voice, helping to create one of the most famous characters in movie history.
While Jones originally opted to go uncredited for the role, it has become perhaps his most famous performance. He continued to voice Vader for decades, in the two sequels The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the prequel Revenge of the Sith and the spin-off Rogue One. In 2022, Jones retired from the role, but signed an agreement for his voice to be used in future projects using artificial intelligence and archive recordings.
Jones also provided the voice of another beloved movie character, Mufasa in the 1994 Disney film The Lion King. Jones later reprised the role in the 2019 remake.
Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, Jones appeared in many Hollywood films, including Conan the Barbarian, Coming to America, Field of Dreams, and The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games and The Sandlot. He also won his second Tony Award, starring in the original production of August Wilson’s Fences.
He received eight Emmy Award nominations for his television work, winning twice in 1991: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for Heat Wave and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Gabriel’s Fire.
Jones also continued to perform on Broadway: over the past 20 years he starred in revivals of On Golden Pond, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Driving Miss Daisy, The Best Man and You Can’t Take it With You.
Jones was the recipient of many awards and honors throughout his acclaimed career. He received an Honorary Academy Award in 2011, making him one of the only people to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award, known as “EGOT.” Broadway’s Cort Theatre was renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in his honor in 2022.
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Richard Gere, 75, and his wife Alejandra Silva, 41, recently stole the spotlight with a public display of affection on the red carpet at the Zurich Film Festival
The 75-year-old Richard Gere and his 41-year-old wife Alejandra Silva recently wowed onlookers with their passionate gesture on the Zurich Film Festival red carpet as they attended the film’s premiere of “Wisdom of Happiness.” On October 8, 2024, Silva dazzled in a gorgeous cream and silver gown, while Gere looked smart in a classic black tuxedo. As they posed together, the couple, who looked to be totally in love, enjoyed intimate moments that highlighted their strong bond.
Gere wore a black bow tie and a spotless white shirt to go with his elegant tuxedo for their romantic evening at Corso in Zurich. Silva wore a sleeveless dress with a unique layered design that accentuated her toned arms. The silver heels perfectly complemented her manicure.
Supporters were eager to show their appreciation for the couple, complimenting their appearance and chemistry in numerous remarks. “How sweet,” one fan wrote, while another said, “She is a very attractive lady.” What he sees in her, I see as well. They are a compatible pair. “Beautiful couple,” and “Love Richard Gere,” were posted by other admirers.
Although the majority of responses were encouraging, one person expressed dissent, saying, “She’s much younger, but hey, it’s their life.” I dislike her outfit at this place. Furthermore, a few fans pointed to a similarity between Silva and Julia Roberts, the actress who costarred with Gere in the cherished movie “Pretty Woman.”
One of the movie’s most iconic scenes had Gere’s character, Edward, playing the piano as Roberts’ character, Vivian, walked in. Years later, Gere made a sarcastic quip about their electric chemistry, adding, “I mean, no chemistry.” It was clear that there was no chemistry between this actor and this actress. That’s not anything I’ve seen in a while. It’s a seductive scene.
The real bond between Gere and Silva was evident during their appearance, as they remained close, in sharp contrast to the dynamics on screen. Before, Silva told Richard how happy she was, saying, “I never thought I’d find a man so perfect for me.” There are no words to express how happy I am. She has also stated that it was intended for them to be apart in terms of age. Silva remarked, “He has promised me at least 20 good years!” and said that Gere’s intensity frequently made it difficult for her to keep up with him.
Silva also brought attention to the fact that friends frequently make assumptions about what Gere gains from her and remark on how much he loves her. She feels that her steadfast dedication to serving others has given him stability. Above all, the fact that I wasn’t a model or an actor helped. That has never piqued my attention. Our shared commitment to Buddhism and the Tibetan people, as well as our desire to assist those in need, are what have most brought us together, she said.
Silva’s resolve to stick with Gere is reinforced by her description of their love as the most romantic and delightful dream she has ever had. Gere has stated that, as a result of being married to a lady who is so stunning, wise, and compassionate, he feels like the happiest guy alive. He is impressed by her commitment to humanitarian causes, her easygoing demeanor, her patience, and her extraordinary culinary abilities—especially her renowned salads.
Every time they go to important occasions together, their devotion for one another is obvious. On September 1, 2024, Gere made a noteworthy appearance at the Venice Film Festival in Italy. He was accompanied not only by his spouse, but also by his attractive son, Homer Gere.
The duo was the talk of the red carpet at the amfAR Gala Venezia. Gere looked dapper in his tuxedo, and Silva complemented him with an equally elegant dark blue gown by Silvia Tcherassi that included gorgeous lace floral appliqués. The dress had a daring low-cut back and a flowing skirt with a high neckline.
Videos from the occasion showed the pair exchanging passionate looks and striking poses for the cameras. Homer even made an appearance, flaunting his tuxedo and spending quality time with his father. Many people made comments about their appearances as the crowd saw the family connection, with one saying, “His son looks a lot like him! fortunate man
Gere was spotted joyfully greeting spectators as they arrived by boat at the Venice Film Festival, prior to their glitzy event. During their boat ride, they were also observed conversing, underscoring the close relationship between father and son.
about stage during the festival, Gere reflected about his 1978 debut picture, “Days of Heaven,” in a moving moment. “This is so emotional for me to see— this is my first film and [..] I don’t think I’ve seen this probably in 30/40 years,” he said after seeing a moment from the film. Noting that he was only a few years older than his son at the time he made the movie, he took great satisfaction in Homer’s emerging acting career and acknowledged his artistic ability.
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